Pakistan urges India to immediately release Kashmiri women leaders
Describes their sentences as “politically motivated”, act of “revenge.”
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday urged India to immediately release Kashmiri women leaders Asiya Andrabi, Fehmeeda Sofi, and Nahida Nasreen, describing their sentences as “politically motivated” and an act of “revenge.”
According to Kashmir Media Service, an Indian special court sentenced Aasiya Andrabi to life imprisonment, while awarding 30-year prison terms to her associates Fehmeeda Sofi and Naheeda Nasreen under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi speaking at the weekly briefing in Islamabad, said Pakistan strongly condemns the verdicts and rejects politically driven actions against the Kashmiri leadership.
He noted that several Kashmiri leaders have faced lengthy periods of incarceration, including Syed Ali Gilani, an iconic leader of the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination, who died in Indian custody.
The spokesperson also condemned the continued closure of the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
He noted that preventing worshippers from offering congregational prayers constitutes a serious violation of religious freedoms and fundamental human rights.
Tahir Andrabi highlighted that the mosque remained closed for most of Ramadan and even during Eid prayers for the seventh consecutive year since India’s actions of August 5, 2019.
According to the spokesperson, Indian authorities have sealed the mosque and barred Kashmiri Muslims from gathering on significant religious occasions. “These restrictions, particularly during Ramadan and Eid, are a matter of deep concern,” he added.
Pakistan reiterated that it will continue to raise its voice against human rights violations and called on India to ensure fundamental rights in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
